Glen: Our duty to youngsters
Glen Johnson has welcomed the injection of youth into Liverpool's squad this season – and insists it's the responsibility of the senior players to help them flourish in the first-team set up.
Brendan Rodgers has had no qualms about giving the likes of Raheem Sterling and Adam Morgan opportunities so far this term, while a whole clutch of the Reds' starlets were heavily involved in pre-season.
And Johnson feels the elder members of the squad have to take their share of responsibility in helping the youngsters feel fully integrated into the dressing room.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: "We've got a great bunch of lads and everyone makes everyone feel welcome.
"Raheem is 17-years-old but you make him feel like one of the lads because he is and he deserves to be here. It makes him feel more comfortable - and more comfortable when he's going into games, which is going to help him and the team.
"You have to encourage the young lads. When I first came through, I had people like Stuart Pearce and other big players helping me.
"Raheem is a fantastic player as it is, so if he keeps working hard and doing the right things, he's going to be a great player."
Meanwhile, Johnson insists Liverpool will do all they can to get their season up and running when the campaign resumes after the international break, but feels the squad will require time to fully adjust to Rodgers' new ideas and philosophies.
The Reds have picked up just one point from their opening three Barclays Premier League fixtures, but the full-back remains adamant their fortunes will soon change.
"Anything new is going to take time to mould [together], but the lads are working hard every day to try and make the success come together," Johnson said.
"Everyone needs to be patient, including the players. We need to make Anfield a place where no team wants to come or can enjoy their football. We need to get on top of teams from the start and try and make it as difficult as possible for them for the 90 minutes."
Rodgers' appointment as Liverpool manager in June reunited Johnson with the coach he worked with during the duo's spell at Chelsea.
"When Brendan is talking, you're so focused on what he's saying," added Johnson. "He gets your attention 100 per cent. You can be in a meeting for half an hour with him, but it'll feel like 10 minutes.
"It's clear for everyone to see the way Brendan wants us to play. He did fantastic at Swansea and he's a fantastic coach."